Must Have a Lick! Best Popsicles in the U.S.

Popsicles have come a long way from the cherry, orange, and grape supermarket variety packs that give tongues bright neon hues. Now artisanal and gourmet popsicle makers have "popped" up around the nation offering natural, gourmet versions of the childhood favorite. These companies are changing the way people think about ice-pops with innovative flavors and high-quality preparations. Check out some of the best popsicles in the U.S., with flavors ranging from mango chile to creamy avocado to pumpkin pie.
Want to make your own gourmet pops? Check out these fun frozen pop molds and recipes.

The Pop Nation, California

The Pop Nation, California

Under the witty slogan, “Freedom from the Scoop,” Pop Nation brings all natural popsicles to California. The treats take after South American paletas and are vegan and gluten free. Fan favorites include Sea Salted Dark Chocolate, Strawberries ‘n Cream with Basil, and Strawberry Lemonade. Looking for something a little more outside-the-box? Pop Nation has got you covered. For example, their Bangkok Night Market pop is a bright, creamy yellow and contains Thai herbs and spices, like Thai chiles and turmeric mixed into a coconut base.

La Newyorkina, New York

La Newyorkina, New York

Fany Gerson whips up classic Mexican-style paletas, the perfect summertime treat, which she sells on the High Line and at street fairs in New York City. La Newyorkina was inspired by the sweets she grew up eating, and she serves up on-a-stick flavors like Coconut, Mango Chile, Cucumber-Lime, Strawberry, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Tropical (passion fruit with pieces of orange, pineapple, and kiwi inside), Pink Limeade, and Yogurt-Berry with amaranth and hibiscus (all pictured). Customers can’t get enough of her mango chile, which is made with a real fruit base that is topped off with tangy, slightly spicy chile powder.